Mosquito-Repelling Plants
13 Mosquito-Repelling Plants That Will Save Your Skin This Summer
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We all love the summertime, but unfortunately, bugs do, too. If you're someone who gets swarmed by mosquitoes whenever you walk out the door, and have tried everything — citronella candles, bug spray, mosquito swatters, and my personal favourite, insect zappers — then you certainly know that these buzzing nighthawks are no small task to handle. However, if you're itching to enjoy a good BBQ without being bit by a million little critters, then we have a solution: plants. Yes, it's true. On top of plants' amazing air-purifying properties and ability to look absolutely stylish both inside and outdoors, they too can help fight off those relentless mosquitoes. So, if you're ready to entertain without swatting for your life, here are 13 mosquito-repelling plants you'll want to get your hands on.
1 Basil
Basil is so effective at repelling mosquitoes (and adding a delicious flavour to Italian fare!) that you'll want to grow it all around your house. Windowsills, porches, the garden — the possibilities are endless! Throw it in a cute pot next to your kitchen sink or on your porch and watch the magic happen.
2 Basil Plant
3 Basil Plant
4 Catnip
Some studies report that catnip is 10 times more repellent to mosquitoes than sprays, so this plant is a big win for gardeners. Bonus: if you've got a cat, they'll get plenty of entertainment from any catnip you plant!
5 Catnip Plant
6 Catnip Plants
7 Citronella
After crushing blades of citronella, you can either combine it with other repellent blooms to make a salve or simply apply it to your skin for instant relief. For convenience, place citronella in a pot on your patio and use it to repel mosquitoes when needed.
8 Citronella Plant
9 Citronella Plant
10 Eucalyptus
The power of eucalyptus is endless, from helping with coughs and colds to relieving joint pain — and even fending off those relentless mosquitoes! These trees can get as tall as 60 feet, so you can use it repel mosquitoes for years to come.
11 Eucalyptus Plant
12 Eucalyptus Plant
13 Garlic
We already know garlic is pungent, so it's no wonder that its sharp scent repels mosquitoes. If you have a garlic plant around, mosquitoes will smell the garlic instead of you . . . but then again, so will everyone else, so be mindful when you have company!
14 Garlic Plant
15 Garlic Plant
16 Geranium
Easy to care for, gorgeous, and able to get rid of annoying mosquitos — is there any reason not to own geraniums? Let them flower on your deck all summer long and then bring them inside for a pop of colour in the winter!
17 White Geranium Plant
18 Geranium Plant
19 Lavender
Lavender oil repels mosquitoes and makes a great perfume; plus, your garden will never smell better than when lavender is in bloom!
20 Lavender Plant
21 Lavender Plant
22 Lemon Balm
To utilise lemon balm's repellent properties, simply pick some of the fresh leaves, crush them between your palms, and then rub on your exposed skin. These plants are extremely hardy, and can be kept outdoors or indoors, so you can have them all year!
23 Lemon Balm Plant
24 Lemon Balm Plants
25 Lemongrass
Believe it or not, the oil found in lemongrass called citral is used in many bug repellents for its mosquito-fighting properties! Lemongrass also helps to fight off flies, making it a great plant for both indoor and outdoor use. Pot your hard-to-kill lemongrass indoors for the winter and garnish your foods with it!
26 Lemongrass Plant
27 Lemongrass Plants
28 Mint
Not only is mint great to garnish your drinks, but it's also a phenomenal mosquito repellent. Move your mint plant back and fourth from your deck to your kitchen, and most importantly, keep it around for a refreshing minty beverage to enjoy outside . . . without mosquitoes. Your guests will enjoy your mint plant as much as you do!
29 Mint Plant
30 Mint Plant
31 Peppermint
32 Peppermint Plant
33 Peppermint Plant
34 Rosemary
Rosemary naturally repels mosquitoes from your garden or home, and can also be combined with other herbs to create a repellent salve for your skin. Pot this plant in your kitchen, keep it on your porch, or watch it grow in your garden — the possibilities are endless!
35 Rosemary Plant
36 Rosemary Plant
37 Sage
Sage is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, and it also helps to keep mosquitoes (and ticks) from getting too close for comfort. The smell of sage is what repels the bugs, but hummingbirds love it! Plant sage in your garden or keep it in your home for cleansing purposes.
